The Times and The Sunday Times and carefully selected third parties use cookies on this site to improve performance, for analytics and for advertising. By browsing this site you are agreeing to this. For more information see our Privacy and Cookie policy.

Keane won the league seven times during his time with Manchester UnitedCLIVE BRUNSKILL/GETTY IMAGES

Since John O’Shea was dropped, this is the first Ireland side in 44 years that does not contain a player who won either the English Premier League or old First Division title. Here are the winners who sprinkled stardust on the Irish side

John Giles Ireland career 1959-79Won the league with Leeds United in 1969 and 1974 • Didn’t play any matches for Ireland in 1973

Steve Heighway Ireland career 1970-81 Won the league with Liverpool four times

Ronnie WhelanIreland career 1981-95Won the league with Liverpool six times

John Aldridge Ireland career 1986-96Won the league with Liverpool in 1988

Steve StauntonIreland career 1988-2002Won the league with Liverpool in 1990